Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Sitter in Traverse City

1. Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Sitter in Traverse City Planning a wine tour along Old Mission Peninsula or a weekend at Sleeping Bear Dunes? While traditional kennels might seem convenient, more Traverse City pet parents are choosing in-home dog boarding, where their dogs receive personalized attention in a comfortable, home environment. But here's the challenge: how do you choose the right dog sitter when your pet's safety and happiness hang in the balance? According to Pet Sitters International, there are over 10,000 professional pet sitting businesses across the United States, yet quality varies dramatically. The difference between an exceptional experience and a nightmare often comes down to asking the right questions. This guide covers the 10 most critical questions every Traverse City dog owner should ask before hiring a dog sitter. Whether you need dog overnight care for a business trip or extended in-home pet boarding for vacation, these questions will help you identify trustworthy professionals who treat your pet like family. Why In Home Dog Boarding Matters Unlike traditional kennels where dogs are confined to runs or cages, home boarding for dogs allows your pet to maintain a normal routine in a residential environment. Dogs experience less stress, continue regular schedules, and receive one-on-one attention rather than competing with dozens of other dogs. However, because in home pet boarding often involves smaller operations, thorough vetting is essential. That person becomes solely responsible for your dog's wellbeing.

2. The 10 Essential Questions to Ask 1. What Experience and Training Do You Have? Experience tells you whether someone is qualified to provide professional dog overnight care. Look for specific details: How many years have they worked with dogs professionally? Have they cared for dogs with medical conditions or behavioral challenges? Do they have formal training in canine first aid, CPR, or animal behavior? Professional dog sitters should discuss their background confidently with concrete examples. According to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, quality providers have certifications and substantial hands-on experience. Red flag: Vague answers like "I've always loved dogs" without professional credentials or training. 2. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured? Professional pet care requires proper protection. While Michigan doesn't require state licensing for pet sitters like it does for commercial kennels, reputable providers carry business liability insurance (typically $1 million coverage) and are often bonded. Ask specifically: ● Do you carry professional liability insurance? ● Are you bonded? ● Can you provide proof of insurance? Critical: Don't just take their word—ask to see a certificate of insurance. Legitimate providers have this readily available. 3. Can You Provide Client References? References show actual performance, not promises. Any established provider of home boarding for dogs should have satisfied clients eager to share experiences. Request at least three recent references whose dogs have similar needs to yours. When contacting references, ask: ● How did your dog react at pickup? ● Did the sitter provide updates? ● How did they handle challenges? ● Would you use them again? Warning: Providers who only offer generic online reviews or seem reluctant to connect you with actual clients. 4. How Many Dogs Do You Accept at Once?

3. The number of dogs directly impacts attention quality. Most professional pet sitters who specialize in in home dog boarding limit capacity to 2-4 dogs at a time, allowing adequate supervision and individual attention. Ask: ● Will my dog be alone or with others? ● What's your maximum capacity? ● How do you ensure each dog gets individual attention? Watch for: Sitters vague about numbers or who take unlimited dogs—they're prioritizing income over care quality. 5. What Is Your Daily Routine? Dogs thrive on routine. A professional should describe a typical day including wake-up time, feeding schedule, exercise routine (walks, playtime, frequency), rest periods, and nighttime arrangements. For Traverse City residents, ask if they use local dog-friendly spaces like the TART Trail or Lay Park. Exercise shouldn't just mean quick bathroom breaks. Red flag: Rigid schedules that can't be adjusted or vague descriptions. 6. How Do You Handle Medical Emergencies? This could save your dog's life. Ask: ● Do you have pet first aid and CPR certification? ● What's your emergency protocol? ● Which veterinary clinic do you use? ● How quickly will you contact me? ● Are you comfortable administering medications? Know whether your sitter works with local vets like Animal Medical Center or Bayshore Animal Hospital. Put medical decision-making preferences in writing. Deal breaker: No clear emergency plan or first aid training. 7. What Communication Will You Provide? Discuss update preferences upfront—daily photos and texts, video calls, detailed written updates, or emergency-only contact. Some sitters include daily updates in their base rate; others charge extra. Ask to see examples of typical updates to gauge their communication quality. Problem: Sitters who are difficult to reach or take hours to respond during dog overnight care.

4. 8. What's Your Cancellation Policy? Travel plans change. Understand policies about cancellations (typically 48-72 hours notice required), deposits, last-minute fees, and what happens if the sitter cancels. Get everything in writing. Professional providers of in home pet boarding have documented policies in a service agreement you both sign. 9. Where Will My Dog Sleep and What Safety Measures Do You Have? Ask about sleeping arrangements, home safety, and dog-proofing measures: ● Where do dogs sleep at night? ● Is your home fully fenced? ● What areas are off-limits? ● Do you use crates or gates? ● Are there home hazards I should know about? Important: If your dog sleeps in your bedroom, a sitter who puts dogs in a basement might not be the right fit. 10. What If Expectations Don't Match? Discuss what happens if there's a personality mismatch or behavior issues: ● What if my dog seems anxious? ● Can I pick up my dog early without penalty? ● What's the protocol if the arrangement isn't working? Green flag: Sitters who offer trial stays or meet-and-greets before extended bookings. Trust Your Instincts While these questions provide a framework, don't underestimate gut feelings. Pay attention to how the sitter interacts with your dog, whether your dog seems comfortable, and how they react to questions—openly or defensively. Research shows pet owners list "trustworthiness" as the number one factor when choosing pet care. If trust isn't built during initial interactions, it won't appear later. The Meet-and-Greet Is Essential Schedule an in-person meeting before committing to in home dog boarding. Observe: ● Does your dog approach the sitter willingly? ● How does the sitter greet your dog? ● Do they listen to your dog's quirks and needs? ● Does their home seem clean, safe, and welcoming?

5. Many professional dog sitters offer trial visits before longer bookings—a low-stakes test run that benefits everyone. Red Flags to Avoid End your search immediately if you encounter: ● Refusing to provide insurance proof or references ● No emergency protocols or vet relationships ● Unable to answer basic experience questions ● Pressuring immediate booking ● Bad reviews about lost dogs or injuries ● Unsanitary conditions or safety hazards ● Vague or contradictory answers ● Reluctance to sign service agreements Understanding Traverse City Costs Typical rates for in-home pet boarding in Traverse City: ● $40-70 per night for one dog ● $15-25 additional for a second dog ● Holiday rates run 25-50% higher These rates reflect personalized attention and professional care. Significantly lower rates might indicate lack of insurance, too many dogs, or inexperience. Preparing for Success Once you've found the right sitter, provide comprehensive information: medical history, feeding instructions, exercise requirements, behavioral quirks, emergency contacts, and commands your dog knows. Create a written care plan—don't rely on verbal instructions alone. Do a trial run before your big vacation. This helps your dog adjust and gives you confidence. The TC Tails Difference At TC Tails, transparency, communication, and personalized care are at our heart. Our home boarding for dogs provides the comfort and attention your pet deserves, with regular updates that keep you connected. We limit dogs in our care to ensure individual attention, maintain normal routines, and provide plenty of exercise through Traverse City's beautiful neighborhoods and our secure, fenced yard.

6. Your Dog Deserves Professional Care Finding the right dog sitter requires asking tough questions and trusting your instincts. Don't rush this decision. Take time to interview candidates, check references thoroughly, and meet potential sitters with your dog present. The peace of mind from choosing the right in-home dog boarding provider is worth every minute. Ready for trustworthy, professional dog overnight care in Traverse City? Contact TC Tails today to schedule a meet-and-greet at 310 S. Division St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Visit Tc Tails to learn about our home boarding for dogs and personalized attention. Your dog's comfort starts here. FAQs What's the difference between a dog sitter and dog boarding? A dog sitter provides in home dog boarding in their residence with personalized attention for a small number of dogs. Traditional boarding refers to commercial kennels with multiple dogs in runs. Dog sitters offer more individualized care and less stressful environments. How far in advance should I book? During peak summer months and holidays, book 6-8 weeks in advance. During off-peak times, 3-4 weeks notice is sufficient. Quality in home pet boarding providers fill quickly. Should I do a trial stay first? Absolutely. Trial stays let you evaluate care quality, help your dog become comfortable, and allow the sitter to understand your dog's needs before longer stays. What if my dog gets sick while I'm away? Your sitter should have emergency protocols including immediate contact with you, relationships with local vets, authorization to seek care, and current first aid training. Put medical preferences in writing before leaving.